Serial-numbering device



April 13 ,"1926.

M. c. BEEB r AL SERIAL NUMBERING DEVICE Filed July 30. 1921 65M IN1/enfans Patented pr. 13, 19261 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcrLgl MURRAY C. BEEBE AND EDMUN D M. WISE, OF FORT THOMAS, KENTUCKY, ASSIGNOBS T0 THE WADSWORTH WATCH CASE COMPANY, 0F DAYTON, KENTUCKY, A COR- PORATION.

Application'mea July ao,

pointed out in the annexed claims.

The purpose of our invention is to provide means for optically projecting any desired symbols, numbers, etc., onto the sensitized surfaces of watch cases, etc., without using what is known as contact printing through a negativegiand that provides a` serial number iilm which has alternate clear and numbered areas, and in addition has means for self-centering 'the nulnbers as they come into proper position.

lVith these and other ends in View, we illustrate in the accompanying diagrammatic drawing such instances of adaptation as will disclose the broad underlying features without limiting ourselves to the specific details shown thereon and described herein.

Figure l is a diagrammatic view in which a serial number film is combined with a pattern transparency.

Fig. 2 1s a diagrammatic elevation of a pitterned watch case and a serial numberv In practically carrying out our system we are not limited .to any special objects on which serial numbers are to be applied, or whether such numbers shall be combined with a peculiar repetitive design, but claim the broad features of automatically or otherwise applying serial numbers on any desired surface, either in consecutive or any arbitrary grouping order.

The use of our device simply requires the production of a transparency 1 of the design, with which is to be combined an identifying symbol or number. The design or number may be either a negative or alf positive according to the effect that is deiI sired. In substance, such a transparency, if? a positive, is not unlike well known lanternil slides. The optical part of our system com- SERIAL-NUMBERING DEVICE.

1921. serial- No. 488,730'.

l, the projection lens 2; and the sensitive plane-surface 5, or a curved surface.

W'henever manufacturers of watch cases desire to place serial numbers on successive cases, we find it very efficient to use a film G having consecutive serial numbers 7 placed thereon with blank areas between. film is combined with any desired pattern 9 that has an unoccupied space for the serial number andany other insignia or symbol. The film 7 is moved along side theimage plate 1, as shown in Fig. 1, between the spools 10 as these -are turned by means of .the handles 11. In order to cause the numbers on the film to register with the Open space of the image in the direction of the traverse of the film, we may form V lshaped 'notches 8 on one edge of the film opposite the center point of each number and cause the film to pass between guides 13 on each side of the image slide 1 to hold it against lateral shifting. A centering wheel l2, of,

some thickness, on an arm 14 fulcrumed at 15 will ride along the edge of the film and move into the notches 8 under the tension of a spring 16.

In this way the accurate registration of the numbers is easily brought about, as the wheel 12 when it passes into-a notch 8 will instantly indicate to the operator that the movementof the film must be stopped and on account of the tension of the spring 16 and the V sides of the notches 8, the wheel will automatically center the numbers, either Such a advancing or retarding the film slightly as may be required.

The development of the image may be performed in any. well known manner that conforms to the sensitizing medium which is used, for instance rif the surface'coating is bichromated gelatine the developing agent is water of the required temperature; if otherwise, a corresponding change is made in the developer.

lVhat we claim is:

l. The method of producing serial numbers on watchcases and the like, which consists in separately coveringxwatch cases with a light-sensitive coating, in separately subjecting the coated cases to 'an ornamental image by projection, in simultaneously projecting serial numbers onto the same sur- Yurises a,source of light, usually an electric face, and in changing the number images arc lamp 3, a condenser 4, the transparency l coordinately with the change of'watch cases.

2. In serial numbering systems, an ornamental image having a clear area thereon,

a movable lm having serial numbers or other symbols in numerical sequence, means for successively registering such symbols in register with the clear space of the ornamental image, and means for projecting the ornamental image and the recurring serial numbers simultaneously onto a suitable light-sensitive surface.

3. In serial numbering devices, a moving film having serial numbers thereon spaced apart with a transparent area between adjacent numbers, an ornamental image having a clear space corresponding approximately to the area allotted tothe numbers on the `light rays through the lm and ornamental image simultaneously so as to impress the same upon asultable l1ght-sens1t1ve surface.

In testlmony whereof we alix ourslgnatures. e

MURRAY C. BEEBE.

EDMUND M. WISE.. 

